What Are the Different Types of Digital Gadgets?

Tara Barnett

There are many different types of digital gadgets, ranging from those that are useful for various technical tasks to those that are essentially toys. Gadgets, in general, are objects that are useful for novel and unique purposes that have not been adequately satisfied by traditional tools. Digital gadgets, then, are the same category of objects with a specifically electronic slant. People often use the term gadget to refer to items of minimal importance or novelties, but there are some very useful digital gadgets in the world that can be used to perform important tasks. Among the many digital tools of this type, some of the most common items include universal remotes, spy devices, and special cameras.

Digital toys are common gadgets, such as a toy robot.
Digital toys are common gadgets, such as a toy robot.

Many digital gadgets are useful for people who perform specialized tasks. Tools that help a person connect to a wifi source can be helpful for many people. On the other hand, gadgets that read electrical current or temperature are typically more specialized. Digital tools can be used in many different fields and are available to accomplish many tasks traditionally performed with a variety of less effective methods.

A tablet computer might be considered a digital gadget.
A tablet computer might be considered a digital gadget.

Digital toys are also common among gadgets, and many items of this type interact with sound or other types of information. Dancing USB creatures that react to sound are very popular, but some of these items can also be useful. There are gadgets that dance or make noise when email or other information is received, which can be both practical and fun. Some toys, like those that create light shows, can also serve a decorative purpose. Robots, prank items, and even toys that make noise are all popular digital accessories.

A digital bathroom scale may be used to track weight loss.
A digital bathroom scale may be used to track weight loss.

Some digital gadgets are improvements on traditional ways of accomplishing a simple task. Complex digital scales, for example, can often transmit information taken on the scale to computers or websites. In the same genre, calorie-counting watches are also popular digital gadgets, and newer models are capable not only of recording information but also of analyzing data. These items accomplish functions that could be performed using calculations or mechanical processes, but arguably they are more efficient and convenient.

A DSLR or Digital Single Lens Reflex camera.
A DSLR or Digital Single Lens Reflex camera.

Many people include computer and music devices that are new or highly specialized in the category of gadgets, but this is typically used to signify that the person speaking does not think of these items as important. Tablet computers, for example, are often thought of as gadgets, but many people use tablets as primary computers. Computers, due to the breadth of their functions, are typically not considered digital gadgets. Even so, small computers with limited use may fall into this category.

A GPS or global positioning system pinpoints locations using three-dimensional triangulation.

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Discussion Comments


@KoiwiGal - There have definitely been times when I've been excited about getting a mini gadget only to find that it only lasted a couple of days before breaking.

On the other hand I still have an MP3 player that's been going for about seven years now and it was just a small, cheap one. It's been used so well that the casing is starting to wear away but it plays just as clearly as it did when I got it.

So expensive isn't always the answer. Some of it is luck, some of it is taking care of the gadgets and I think some of it is research and making sure you're getting your item from a good manufacturing company, with good reviews.


@browncoat - For some reason all the kids in my family (and some of the adults too) have really gotten into spy gadgets recently. I'm not sure if it's because a particular movie came out or what, but every time we have a family get-together someone whips out a camera pen or a watch that is also a calculator or whatever.

Not that I'm not into gadgets, but I don't like the ones that are basically junk but happen to glow in the dark.

I like good quality stuff like decent digital cameras or a high quality tablet.


I often turn to gadgets when I'm shopping for presents for my nephews and nieces. I find it's difficult to keep up with the popular toys that they might want or already have, but there are some really good toy gadget stores out there that have unique items I know they'll like and probably won't have already.

They don't have to be expensive either. They often have robotics kits or microscope add-ons for smartphones or even things like little dancing flowers or whatever. Just something that's cute and has a little bit of replay value or will help them to learn something.

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